BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has revealed her excruciating pain caused by a little-known uterine condition was dismissed by doctors for 32 years.
The condition, medically called adenomyosis, sometimes causes her to scream in pain and has no choice but to call an ambulance.
But Ms Munchetty, 48, who has had debilitating symptoms since she was 15, was not taken seriously but medics grew up, she told MPs today.
Minutes after taking the stand today to discuss her experiences with reproductive health issues, she also said that adenomyosis — a uterine condition similar to endometriosis — has made her “almost paranoid about when to take a bathroom break.”
Even on her period, she has no choice but to wear dark, loose clothing and must alert the BBC Breakfast team on air when she needs a toilet break.
Ms Munchetty, 48, had suffered debilitating symptoms since she was 15 but growing up doctors did not take her symptoms seriously, she told MPs today. Minutes after taking the stand today to talk about lived experiences with reproductive health issues, she also said the disease has made her “almost paranoid about when to take a bathroom break.”
She first revealed she was suffering from the condition in May, when she told BBC Radio 5’s live show that her husband (pictured in April 2017) was forced to call an ambulance after a bout of sickness. “The pain was so terrible that I couldn’t move, turn around or sit up straight. I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes. “And then it happened again in the middle of the night and we had to call an ambulance because I couldn’t be moved. And I just screamed,” she said
It is thought that up to one in ten women suffer from adenomyosis, but the diagnosis often goes undiagnosed for years.
When asked by Caroline Nokes, chairperson of the Women and Equality Committee, how she would characterize her experience with adenomyosis, she replied: My period started at the age of 15. It will take 11 or 12 days.
“Eight or nine of them were very tough. I threw up on the first day and fainted once or twice during the cycle. I would be turned around a toilet.
“I would still go to school.” It took my whole life. I still went to work.
“Every time I went to the doctor, I was told it was normal.”
Read more: Naga Munchetty’s painful womb condition explained – and the telltale signs it could affect YOU
“I didn’t sleep before work because I set the alarm for 2am to change the towel and the super heavy tampon.” It made relationships difficult, I have very understanding partners.
“My adenomyosis wasn’t diagnosed until I was 47 years old.”
Ms Noakes replied: “About 32 years”, while Ms Munchetty replied “Yes”.
She first revealed she was suffering from the disease in May when she told BBC Radio 5 Live that her husband was forced to call an ambulance after a bout of sickness.
“The pain was so terrible that I couldn’t move, turn around or sit up straight.
“I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes.
“And then it happened again in the middle of the night and we had to call an ambulance because I couldn’t be moved. And I just screamed,” she said.
She told the committee today: “Last November I bled non-stop for 30 days. I bled a total of 14 weeks out of 15 because my adenomyosis, which was undiagnosed, flared up.
“I was in so much pain that an ambulance was called.”
“Most women know that you bleed heavily for the first few days, but then it subsides. “But this was worrying.”
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrium grows deep into the muscular wall of the uterus.
Like endometriosis, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus forms outside the uterus, it can cause serious symptoms, including extremely heavy and painful periods, bleeding and pain during and after sex or going to the toilet.
Adenomyosis is commonly diagnosed in women over 40, but also affects younger women and is often only discovered during routine examinations, meaning many women have it without knowing it.
It is more common in women who have given birth more often, especially if they have had a caesarean section.
Possible treatment options include hormonal contraceptives, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
But in some cases, surgery to remove the uterus, a hysterectomy – which Munchetty says she opposes to avoid early menopause – is the only solution, although it is not suitable for younger women who want to conceive naturally.
It is not known exactly why adenomyosis occurs. However, the NHS notes that it is “likely” that women with adenomyosis “have a predisposition based on their genes, immune system and hormones”.
Ms Munchetty also spoke to the committee and revealed that she had never told her employer about her condition.
“I never said anything at school. I was afraid of bleeding through my uniform, that’s what happened. “I was wearing shorts and two tights,” she said.
“I never said anything to my employers, I was given a dose of painkillers.” Still sometimes. You learn to take two Paracetamol and then two Neurofen. I tend to exceed what you should take.
“When you run off your painkillers, you become almost paranoid about going to the bathroom.
“I’ve been in the air for four hours. On regional missions – ie during the two to three minute break – I make sure I give half an hour’s notice when I have to leave.”
“No one is allowed in this toilet, I get grumpy when someone comes in.” i have to go In addition, a swollen uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder.”
She added: “You’re afraid of bleeding in your clothes.”
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
